Confidence remains high despite tougher expectations: survey
Financial advisors are demanding measurable returns from corporate artificial intelligence (AI) investments after years of heavy spending, according to a new report.
Fidelity research found that 42% believe valuations of some AI companies have exceeded expected financial performance while 84% continue to view the technology as a long-term opportunity.
Among 318 respondents, 42% said they believed the value of some AI-related companies had become too high compared with what those companies are expected to deliver financially. Another 27% said the adoption of AI spending plans was taking longer than initially anticipated.
Looking for results from AI
Chris Pepper, Fidelity's vice-president of corporate affairs, said expectations surrounding AI are evolving.
“To date, much of the excitement around AI has been driven by investment and expectations for what the technology could deliver,” Pepper said.
He said advisors are now paying closer attention to corporate results when evaluating AI investments.
“Now, advisors are increasingly focused on what companies are actually showing in their results. They’re looking for evidence that AI is driving growth, adoption and business outcomes as they guide clients through the next phase of the story,” Pepper added.
Research cited by Gartner found AI transformation ranks as the top priority for chief human resources officers in 2026. The study said organizations are increasingly expected to connect AI initiatives with workforce planning, productivity, and operating models, placing greater attention on measurable business outcomes rather than technology adoption alone.
Revenue, guidance and spending take priority
Fidelity also asked advisors what they plan to monitor most closely as technology companies release additional earnings results in the coming weeks.
Among 449 respondents, 42% said AI-driven revenue growth would receive their greatest attention. Corporate guidance followed at 21%, while 18% identified capital expenditures, or spending, as their primary area of focus.
According to Fidelity, one advisor participating in the webcast summarized what many clients expect from companies investing in AI: “Clients want to see real proof points — measurable revenue growth, improving profitability, widespread adoption and evidence that AI investments are creating durable competitive advantages.”
An ADP study reported that employees who use AI daily report higher engagement, lower stress, and greater confidence about their job security than employees who do not use the technology. The report also suggested organizations may need to assess AI's contribution through outcomes such as decision quality and productivity rather than task volume alone.
Another report noted that many organizations are introducing AI tools faster than employees can be trained to use them effectively. It said limited training and concerns about the technology can slow adoption, which may delay productivity gains that companies expect from their AI investments.
Optimism remains despite closer scrutiny
Although advisors are looking for stronger evidence of financial returns, Fidelity reported that 84% of respondents believe AI remains attractive and is still in the early stages of its growth cycle.
The survey also found that 43% believe companies adopting AI to improve productivity will generate the greatest long-term investment value.
Industry observers have also pointed to growing expectations that organizations demonstrate business value from AI investments rather than measuring success by implementation alone. That includes linking AI initiatives to productivity, employee experience, and organizational performance.
Pepper said the survey indicates advisors continue to see long-term potential in AI while also adopting the technology within their own organizations.
“What we’re seeing through the research is that advisors remain optimistic about AI’s long-term potential for clients,” he said. “At the same time, they’re embracing the technology to improve their own businesses.”
